Every May 1 is marked as Workers’ Day—a significant occasion set aside to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and contributions of the Nigerian working class.
But beyond the ceremonies and speeches, a pressing question remains: is there truly anything to celebrate?
Across Nigeria, millions of workers wake up before dawn each day, rushing to beat official resumption times, only to return home late at night. Yet, despite these long hours, their earnings often cannot sustain them through the month. In many cases, salaries are exhausted halfway through, leaving workers struggling to survive until the next payday, while those at the top continue to live in comfort and excess.
Since the beginning of President Tinubu’s administration, several economic policies have been introduced—removal of fuel subsidies, naira devaluation, increased electricity tariffs, and the imposition of multiple taxes and levies. Although the minimum wage was raised to ₦70,000, this adjustment has done little to cushion the harsh realities these policies have imposed on workers. For many, it remains grossly inadequate in the face of rising living costs.
Even more troubling is the widespread perception that the revenue generated from these policies is not being channeled toward improving workers’ welfare, but rather benefiting a small political elite. While ordinary Nigerians tighten their belts, many in positions of power continue to thrive.
Workers are, without doubt, the backbone of the economy. If they were to withdraw their labor collectively, economic activities would grind to a halt. This underscores the immense power workers possess—power that, if effectively harnessed, could reshape their conditions.
The situation reflects the popular saying: “Monkey dey work, bamboo dey chop.” It is a stark illustration of the imbalance between effort and reward in Nigeria’s labor system.
Conditions are often even harsher in the private and multinational sectors. Many workers are employed as casual laborers, earning meager wages without benefits, pensions, or insurance. Job security is virtually nonexistent, and attempts to unionize are frequently discouraged or outright suppressed. These workers face intense workloads with little hope for improvement.
While government policies play a major role in this crisis, labor leadership has also come under scrutiny. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), expected to defend workers’ interests, is increasingly seen by some as ineffective in confronting policies that negatively impact workers. Its acceptance of the current minimum wage has been criticized as falling short of what is needed to ensure a decent standard of living.
What, then, is the way forward?
A growing argument is that real change must come from the workers themselves. Rank-and-file workers may need to organize more independently, build stronger coalitions, and push collectively for reforms that prioritize their welfare and dignity.
There are also calls for greater political engagement—supporting platforms and movements that genuinely reflect workers’ interests and advocate for equitable economic policies.
Ultimately, Workers’ Day should be more than a symbolic celebration. It should serve as a moment of reflection, accountability, and renewed commitment to improving the lives of those who keep the nation running.
Until the conditions of workers truly improve, the question will persist: how happy are the workers?
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